The popularity of the cannabis plant has soared in recent years, but with the complex legal landscape surrounding it, confusion abounds. There’s a plethora of terms used to describe different aspects of the cannabis plant, whether it’s the illegal or legal varieties. If you’re feeling bewildered about the distinction between hemp oil and hemp seed oil, you’re in good company.
Let’s clear things up: Hemp oil and hemp seed oil are not the same. Hemp seed oil is quite straightforward—it’s made by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. In contrast, hemp oil is derived from the hemp flower. However, the waters get muddied due to some misleading marketing tactics. These terms are often used interchangeably, and when we throw in phrases like CBD isolate and full-spectrum hemp, it can become a recipe for confusion.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant and has a strong, nutty flavor. It’s packed with good-for-you stuff like omega-3 fatty acids, tocopherols, linoleic, and linolenic acids. These are the healthy fats your body likes.
Depending on how the hemp seeds are handled, the oil might have a tiny bit of THC and CBD, but not enough to make you feel funny. Companies that make hemp seed oil for eating have to follow strict rules to make sure it has very, very little THC, usually 0.3% or less.
How Hemp Seed Oil Is Made?
Making hemp seed oil is kind of like making olive oil. They press the seeds to get the oil out, and then they keep it in a cool, dark place until it’s ready to be used or sent out.
How Can You Use Hemp Seed Oil?
You can use hemp seed oil in your cooking to add a tasty twist to your food. Drizzle it on veggies or make salad dressings with it. Some people even take it like a supplement because it’s loaded with those good omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
But it’s not just for eating! Hemp seed oil has other jobs too. It finds use in things like paints, varnishes, and even plastic flooring because it dries up nicely. So, it’s not just good for your body; it’s useful for lots of other things too!
Possible Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil:
Hemp seed oil can be really good for you. It has a special mix of healthy fats called omega-3 and omega-6. These fats are great for your skin, heart, and can even help with things like reducing pain and making PMS symptoms less bothersome. It’s like a superhero oil for your body!
Hemp seed oil also contains other beneficial components such as:
- Antioxidants, which are like bodyguards for your cells.
- Different types of omegas (3, 6, and 9) that are good for your overall health.
- Carotene, which is kind of like a vitamin that’s great for your eyes.
- Chlorophyll, which makes plants green and can be good for your body.
- Important minerals like calcium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron.
Possible Risks and Things to Watch Out For:
But wait, there are a few things to be careful about when using hemp seed oil. Because of the types of fats it has, the oil can start to smell bad and go bad quickly. It’s not good for frying because it can catch fire easily. So, it’s best to use it without heating it up too much.
And here’s the tricky part: it’s not easy to store. Because of those fats, it can go bad when it meets oxygen (the stuff we breathe). So, keep it cool in the fridge or freezer after opening it. It doesn’t last very long, so use it up while it’s fresh. Keep it below 300 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 150 degrees Celsius) if you do heat it up. That way, you can enjoy all the good things it has without any worries!
What Is CBD oil?
CBD oil comes in three main types:
1. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil:
This kind contains all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including a tiny amount of THC (the psychoactive component). Be aware that the terms used for these products can be a bit mixed up by some companies.
2. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil:
This type includes several compounds from the cannabis plant but not THC, so it won’t get you high.
3. CBD Isolate Oil:
This one has only CBD and nothing else from the plant.
Knowing that these terms aren’t always used consistently is crucial, so you should check the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) to precisely understand what’s inside. Usually, an independent lab does this testing, and it’s the only way to be sure about the oil’s contents.
How Can You Use CBD?
People use CBD oil for various reasons. Some folks think it might help with conditions like epilepsy, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, addiction, skin problems, and certain brain diseases. But, we still need more research to confirm all these potential benefits.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains a little THC, so some people might use it for fun because THC can make you feel high and even ease nausea. These oils might also have some other plant compounds that need more research to understand fully.
How It Works
Researchers are still figuring out exactly how CBD works in our bodies, but they think it does different things, like blocking the reabsorption of endocannabinoids, messing with pain regulation, and affecting serotonin receptors.
THC, which is in full-spectrum CBD oil, binds to the CB1 receptor in our endocannabinoid system and gives us that psychoactive high. Other types of CBD oil might have something called beta-caryophyllene, which can connect with CB2 receptors. These CB2 receptors are still being studied to figure out what they do.
Different components in CBD oil can have various effects. For example, CBD itself might help with epilepsy, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and brain protection. THC can fight nausea, inflammation, and pain. Beta-caryophyllene might ease anxiety and pain, while limonene could be an antioxidant and anti-tumor agent. Cannabichromene might help with pain, and cannabigerol might be good for inflammation and brain protection.
How CBD Oil Is Made?
To make CBD oil, they use the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. There are special processes, like carbon dioxide extraction, that help manufacturers get an extract rich in CBD and other stuff. But, if they’re making CBD isolate, they only take out the CBD and nothing else.
Potential Risks and Side Effects:
Using CBD, in any form, can have some possible risks and side effects. Here are some things to be aware of, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Potential Liver Injury: CBD might harm your liver.
- Negative Drug Interactions: If you use CBD along with other medicines, it could lead to serious side effects.
- Increased Drowsiness: Combining CBD with alcohol or drugs that slow down your brain can make you feel more tired and sleepy.
- Changes in Alertness: Your alertness might change while using CBD.
- Stomach Problems: You might get a stomachache, diarrhea, or not feel like eating.
- Mood Changes: CBD could make you feel more irritable or agitated. We still need more research to understand the side effects better. We’re not sure about long-term effects, what amount of CBD is risky, how different ways of taking it (like eating, smoking, or putting it on your skin) affect you, what it does to a growing baby in the womb or through breastfeeding, and how it affects a child’s developing brain. So, there’s a lot more to learn about CBD and its potential effects.
Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil – What to Remember
Hemp is not just a super healthy food; it’s a fantastic plant with the power to help people and the environment. We’re really grateful that you’ve read this article all the way to the end because when more people know the facts, we can clear up misunderstandings about the cannabis plant.
So, how can you make sense of all the different information out there? The key is to always check the labels on the products you buy and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what you’re getting. With your help, we can spread the word about how amazing hemp is. After all, everyone should know exactly what they’re getting.
